Ancestor figure - Teke - Congo
09
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 1,900 - € 2,100
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Butti ritual figure of the Teke from Congo, carved in wood with textile, dating to 1930–1940, 22 cm high, 9 cm wide and 8 cm deep, in good condition with age-related wear and stains, provenance .R.DAVID, galerie Walu, Switzerland, 1969; .E.HESS, Switzerland.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Wood, textiles, "Bilongo"
Provenance
.R.DAVID, gallery Walu, Switzerland, 1969
.E.HESS, Switzerland
Literature
.BATEKE "Les fétiches", Alain LECOMTE, Raoul LEHUARD
.Statuaire du STANLEY POOL, Raoul LEHUARD
The Butti fetish is an emblematic representation of the Teke ethnicity, originating from the Congo. These ritual sculptures play an essential role in the spirituality of the Teke, serving as intermediaries between the world of the living and that of the ancestors. Shaped from natural materials, the Butti is often decorated with symbolic motifs and embodies deep values and beliefs of this culture. It is often used during rituals to guarantee protection, prosperity and harmony within the community.
The headdress is of Mupani style; it is a stylized crest. The mouth, ritually important, is prominent. The beard, mustache and hair form only a single mass.
The body is wrapped in various magical substances by the Nganga in a bundle. This composition with varied ingredients is called the Bilongo.
According to the collection sheet by M. HESS, this object was exhibited in Oberwil in 1990 and Arlesheim in 1994.
Seller's Story
Only online at the moment
Translated by Google TranslateWood, textiles, "Bilongo"
Provenance
.R.DAVID, gallery Walu, Switzerland, 1969
.E.HESS, Switzerland
Literature
.BATEKE "Les fétiches", Alain LECOMTE, Raoul LEHUARD
.Statuaire du STANLEY POOL, Raoul LEHUARD
The Butti fetish is an emblematic representation of the Teke ethnicity, originating from the Congo. These ritual sculptures play an essential role in the spirituality of the Teke, serving as intermediaries between the world of the living and that of the ancestors. Shaped from natural materials, the Butti is often decorated with symbolic motifs and embodies deep values and beliefs of this culture. It is often used during rituals to guarantee protection, prosperity and harmony within the community.
The headdress is of Mupani style; it is a stylized crest. The mouth, ritually important, is prominent. The beard, mustache and hair form only a single mass.
The body is wrapped in various magical substances by the Nganga in a bundle. This composition with varied ingredients is called the Bilongo.
According to the collection sheet by M. HESS, this object was exhibited in Oberwil in 1990 and Arlesheim in 1994.
Seller's Story
Only online at the moment
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Material
fabrics, Wood
Country of origin
Congo
Ethnic group/culture
Teke
Height
22 cm
Indigenous object name
you throw
Width
9 cm
Sold with stand
No
Depth
8 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
1930-1940
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